3x6 Subway Tile

3X6 Subway Tile: Love for Subway Tiles Never Ends

Are you planning a herringbone backsplash with a retro twist to create framed wall art accents, protect lower walls using half-wall wainscoting in bathrooms, surround the fireplace with a stacked bond layout, or extend ceiling detailing for showers? Then our 3X6 subway tile is an optimal selection, falling under the category of a ‘Never Boring’ option.

Subway tiles are just simple lines stacked, staggered, or woven into patterns. Yet, that’s where their magic lies! These rectangle tiles with just vertical and horizontal strokes, create an eternal look, adding depth, glamour, and persona to any space—all while being incredibly easy to maintain.

Let’s Unwind the Materials in 3x6 Subway Tiles

A primary interior design, that never goes out of style and brings versatility and charm to any space is Subway tiles. The most important part is that, the classic 3x6 tile size remains a favorite in different materials they’re crafted and makes the true difference in aesthetics and gives an all-round hold in your decor. Amidst the numerous options available, glass and marble stand out for their unique nature and characteristics. Let’s jump in to see more about these materials in 3x6 subway tiles.

• Glass Subway Tiles: Simplicity and durability combined with glass tiles offer a sleek, light-reflecting surface, that decorates your interior giving a minimalistic solution. They are impervious and do not require sealing, but if required you may seal the grout for durability. DIYers' choice as it’s quite easy to cut, handle, and maintain.
• Marble Subway Tiles: Exuding natural luxury with their intricate veining, marble tiles have stood the test of time based on their durability and serve as a worthy investment. Complementing both traditional and contemporary interiors, they are the most popular choice for homeowners who seek stable, appealing, and enduring additions to their homes.

Break the Norm: Be creative while using subway tile 3x6

Why stick to the conventional when you can break the norm? With 3x6 subway tiles available in unique materials like beveled marble, polished glass, honed marble, matte glass, and antique mirror tile, you can create the best of designs that would astonish every eye. Your preference can be a sleek modern aesthetic or a rustic beauty, these tiles can be used in unconventional ways to create an unforgettable space.

• Glamorous Antique Mirror Tile: Use our Glister 3 x 6 in. Polished Clear Silver Antique Mirror Subway Tiles to introduce an archaic, yet marvelous aesthetic. These reflective tiles welcome natural light, making even smaller rooms feel more open and airy.
• Mixed Material Contrast: Why not mix and match the Coin Gray 3 x 6 in. Polished Glass Mosaic Tile with the Beige Beveled Marble Subway Tile? It gives a subtle contrast, making your backsplash or feature wall stand out from the usual.
• Herringbone Magnificence: Beyond the traditional brick and offset pattern is herringbone design that brings a special aura to your spaces. Use our honed marble subway tiles which add dynamic movement and help your design stay in power.
• Vertical Stacking for Height: Install 3x6 subway tiles in a vertically stacked pattern to create an illusion of height. This sleek and modern look works especially well in small bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes.
• Bold Frames or Borders: Frame a wall or backsplash with wonderful white polished glass mosaic tile and fill the center with cobalt blue subway tiles for a layered effect. This approach will help you step out of the usual but easily.
• Color Block Play: Blending multiple finishes like matte and polished glass to create a color-blocked pattern will be the best addition to any kind of commercial accent wall. This technique allows you to experiment with contrast while maintaining a cohesive design. Check out The Art of Subway Tile Patterns for more inspiration on creative layout ideas.
• Accent Nooks and Niches: Amp up small spaces like shower niches or kitchen shelves by lining them with antique mirrors or beveled marble tiles. This adds the right touch of luxury without overwhelming the space.
• Wraparound Design: Extend your subway tile backsplash beyond the kitchen counter and onto adjacent walls for a wraparound effect. This technique works beautifully with polished glass for a modern finish.

Why Beveled Edge Subway Tiles?

Just taking away 0.5 mm of your tile edges creates a bevel, named Beveled edge tiles. These subway beveled tiles avoid chipping on the butted tiles, add depth and dimension to your walls through the 45-degree angled edges, and have a lesser grout thickness compared to other rounded edge tiles, yet filling the gap evenly.

Choose from the Many Shades of 3x6 Tile

From classic neutrals to a seaside tile look, all is possible with 3 x 6 subway tiles. Whether you love the organic imperfections of zellige tile or the clean lines of symmetry in traditional subway tile design, it’s up to you. Choose from a beige hue that brings warmth and is perfect for cozy interiors, a black shade creating a striking contrast, or a blue that brings a refreshing, serene, coastal tile inspiration that’s ideal for modern spaces. Silver introduces a touch of shimmer, while white remains an all-time favorite, making any room feel bright and open. No matter your style, these versatile shades help you curate the perfect aesthetic for your space.

Finishing Touches: Add Tile Trims for Subway Tile

Complete your subway tile installation with the perfect finishing trims. A 2x12 chair rail tile trim gives a classic and polished transition between tiles and walls. For a sleek and minimalist touch, use Cloud Gray 0.6-in W x 12-in L best Marble Polished Pencil Liner Tile Trim to provide a subtle border. Whether you want a soft curve or a bold frame, tile trims give that stylish look while protecting edges from wear and tear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size grout joint for the 3x6 subway tile backsplash?

You can use either a ⅛” or 1/16” grout joint. ⅛” gives a balanced appearance without disturbing the tile’s aesthetics while 1/16” grout joints add a spotlight to your installation with their sleek appeal.

2. What are the best grout options for a 3x6 subway tile backsplash?

Pre-mixed grouts are considered DIY friendly. You can go in for unsanded grout when grout joints are smaller or even to prevent scratches in the case of glass or marble tiles, and epoxy grout for high-moisture or stain-prone areas.

3. Do you need to back butter 3x6 subway tile?

When your walls are uneven or when you’re working with larger tiles, back buttering helps to improve adhesion, but not required for 3x6 tile.

4. What size spacers to use for subway tile?

Use 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch spacers to create evenly spaced grout lines, and also to get a clean and professional finish for your subway tile installation.

5. What size notched trowels for subway wall tiles?

1/4" x 1/4" square notch trowel is the most common and ideal. For very flat surfaces and smaller tiles, 3/16" V-notch trowel can also work well.

6. What color grout can be used for 3x6 white subway tile?

White grout offers a uniform, clean look, gray grout adds contrast and dimension, while black grout creates a bold, industrial-inspired design.

7. Can I DIY a 3x6 subway tile shower with a waterproof finish?

Yes, DIY is recommended but ensure usage of proper waterproofing membrane, cement backer board, mold-resistant grout, and pay attention to slope and caulking in corners.

8. What are the most popular design patterns for subway tile 3x6?

Brick or running bond, offset patterns, vertical stack, horizontal stack, herringbone, or diagonal tile layouts are all recommended when it comes to laying subway tiles.

9. How do you clean and maintain a 3x6 backsplash tile?

Wipe with a damp cloth and pH-neutral cleaning solution daily, or use a tile-safe cleaner to remove oil or other contaminants every week, or use a soft brush and clean the grout joints monthly. When using marble tiles, ensure you seal the grout.

10. Should we use sanded or unsanded grout?

Unsanded grout is always recommended for smaller subway tiles and also for glass or marble tiles to prevent scratches.

11. Can you cut subway tile with a tile cutter?

A manual tile cutter works well for straight cuts. Whereas when it comes to L-cuts, notches, or curves, use a wet saw or tile nippers.